Tuesday, October 9, 2007

With the heavy expected rains I planned on heading for Teanaway. I was suprised to find it not only dry in the morning but very warm as well. I was treated with some filtered sunshine on my way over Snoqualmie Pass. I was shocked to see the temperature at 63 degrees. It sure helped my mood to know that I wasn't going to get poured on. I was happy to see the Jungle Creek Road in descent shape making for a fast drive. I was happy that I could leave all my layers in my pack. I only wore tshirt and shorts for the balance of the day. I parked at the Way Creek Trail even though I could have driven farther on the 4wd road. I think it would have been passable but the drive back down looked sketchy to me.

I walked the road/trail passing a hunter's camp along the way. I had been on this route earlier this year when it was still under snow. On the previous trip I stayed on the ridge heading almost due north to reach the summit ridge where I headed west to the summit block. I made it to within a few feet of the summit before I turned back due to some unsafe cornices. Today I stayed on the trail making the long traverse to crest Goldwater's SW ridge. I reached the junction with the Koppen Mt trail here which I continued on to the NW. Just after cresting Pt. 4938 I took a climber's trail heading my way. The tread was good and easy to follow. I stayed on this until I reached a boggy area where I left the trail and headed straight up the mostly benign slopes to reach Malcolm Mt's summit at 5480+ft #85 on the B/C 100 list. I snapped some quick pictures and retreated back to the trail. I was suprised to make the summit in around 2 hours quite a bit faster than I had projected.

With some extra time I set my sights for some unfinished business. I retraced my steps to the signed junction with Way Creek Trail. I blew past the junction for the open slopes of Goldwater's West ridge. I had no problems making to the true summit 5220ft #88 B/C 100. I had hoped to cut some distance off by heading more of a SE tact which to the most extent went. I was happy to reach the 4wd road for the ground pounding descent to the car. On the way out I was startled by a hunter who needed a ride. I usually don't pick up hitchhikers especially ones carrying a gun. The hunter didn't really know where he was or where he had parked so I just gave him a ride home. Thankfully his house was on the way.

Follow by Email

Lijit Search

About Me

I have spent my whole life exploring the lakes, valleys and high points of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. I would love to share this ongoing odyssey. When I was younger, exploring each and every lake was the goal. In recent years I have moved on to the pursuit of climbing The Home Court and Back Court 100 peaks that encompass this great area. I hope this blog both inspires and educates.

The wilderness was originally designated the Alpine Lakes Limited Area in 1946.After exhausting debates, public meetings and with even a request by the Forest Service to veto, President Ford signed the Alpine Lakes Area Management Act into law on the afternoon of July 12, 1976, reportedly saying “anywhere so beautiful should be preserved